Top 10 Actors Who Are Unexpectedly Good Singers

VO: Rebecca Brayton
Script written by Matt Wende.
Sure, we know they’re talented. But did you know they could sing? Join WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 actors who are unexpectedly good singers. For this list, we’re looking at celebrities who became famous thanks to their acting chops, but surprised us later on in their career by showing off a wicked set of pipes. And, as the title suggests, we’re really focusing on actors we were surprised to learn could sing, so a guy like Hugh Jackman wouldn’t make the cut because we’ve been seeing him croon for years.
Special thanks to our users praveenpc, Mattyhull1, Melani Chick Norris Zlojtro and kenn1987 for submitting this idea through our Suggest Tool at WatchMojo.comSuggest

Top 10 Actors Who Are Unexpectedly Good Singers

Sure, we know they’re talented. But did you know they could sing? Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 actors who are unexpectedly good singers.

For this list, we’re looking at celebrities who became famous thanks to their acting chops, but surprised us later on in their career by showing off a wicked set of pipes. And, as the title suggests, we’re really focusing on actors we were surprised to learn could sing, so a guy like Hugh Jackman wouldn’t make the cut because we’ve been seeing him croon for years.

#10: Zachary Levi

Did Chuck just flash? No, that’s actually Zach himself belting out those tones. Although the fan-demanded musical episode of Zachary Levi’s spy comedy “Chuck” never actually happened, Levi’s costars often commented that he would sing between takes to kill the hours – and were guessing they didn’t mind. He got a chance to show off his pipes both in the Disney film “Tangled,” and while starring in a Broadway production. And based on his clear talent, we’re excited to see more.

#9: Hugh Laurie

He’s a cold sadistic doctor. No, he’s a lighthearted comedian! No, he’s a lighthearted comedian with a passion for music! Though he only rarely got to show off his musical abilities on his hit TV show “House,” you may be surprised to learn that this British actor not only sings, but also plays multiple instruments. Laurie’s small-screen success allowed him to join the appropriately named Band from TV, a charity musical group comprised of TV personalities. But Laurie’s so good; we’d pay to listen to him – which we can, as he’s released a couple of albums.

#8: Anna Kendrick

Though she started her career on Broadway, and took on musical roles early in her professional life, this actress remained largely off our radars until her Oscar-nominated and non-singing role in 2009’s “Up in the Air.” However, it wasn’t until 2012 when she starred in “Pitch Perfect” that she showed off her singing talents for a wide audience – and boy, are we glad she did! Her contributions to the film’s female a capella group, along with the radio play of her own hit single “Cups,” have cemented as a singing voice not to be forgotten.

#7: Robert Pattinson

Whether you love him for his role as Cedric Diggory, or hate him for playing a certain sparkly vampire, you can’t deny that when he steps up to a microphone, Rob Pattinson kills it. The young British actor has a soft crooning voice that’s got a smoky yet soothing texture to it. And, not only does he sing, play piano and guitar, he also writes his own music – and he got to show off his singing and songwriting talents on the “Twilight” soundtrack. Maybe if the whole acting thing doesn’t work out, R-Patz could consider a career in music.

#6: Chris Pine

This is Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise coming to you with a love ballad. Sound’s weird right? But when this Starfleet captain opens his mouth, it’s more than just headings and orders. The new Jack Ryan is a surprisingly excellent vocalist, which he’s showed off in some indie films and on “Jimmy Kimmel.” And talk about perfect casting: he was also given the singing role of Prince Charming in Disney’s “Into the Woods,” alongside musical veterans like Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp. But we’d still like to see Captain Kirk do some karaoke or something.

#5: Oscar Isaac

Once a vocalist and guitarist for a smalltime Miami-based band, Isaac gained well-deserved recognition with films like “The Bourne Legacy” and “Drive,” where we did not get to see his musical prowess. That’s why we were more than a little blown away when, in 2013’s “Inside Llewyn Davis,” he let it rip as a down-and-out folk singer struggling to get by in the early 1960s. But the Julliard grad has definitely got it. Whether or not he’ll be able to show off his talent in “Star Wars Episode VII” remains to be seen.

#4: Colin Farrell

This Irish bad boy may’ve made a name for himself playing hardened tough guys in film’s like “SWAT.” But audiences were lucky enough to see a softer side of Farrell when he was playing second fiddle, or guitar rather, to Jeff Bridges in 2009’s “Crazy Heart.” He’s got the American accent down, and when he’s using it to sing some country, we couldn’t ask for more. Sure, he may’ve unsuccessfully tried out for the famed Irish boy band Boyzone at one point, but we won’t hold that against him.

#3: Kevin Spacey

Spacey was a late bloomer in terms of gaining fame in Hollywood, and the same can be said for his singing career. After blessing us with his talents in iconic roles like Lester Burnham in “American Beauty” and… someone in “The Usual Suspects,” Spacey co-wrote, directed, co-produced and starred in his own passion project about famous American singer Bobby Darin – and lent his singing voice to the role.

#2: Jeremy Renner

Although a few of the Avengers were up for this list, Hawkeye nailed the bull’s eye this time. We already know he’s got talent in the acting department, with a couple of Oscar nods under his belt, and he’s basically cemented himself as the hardened emotional wreck you don’t want to mess with. But, when given a chance to carry a tune or two, he knocks us off our feet. He’s actually sung onscreen quite a few times, but we’re still waiting to see him in an actual musical role. “The Avengers” on Broadway maybe?

#1: Ryan Gosling

We know this Canadian hunk for his deep, thoughtful roles, as well as his occasional ladies’ man parts in romantic comedies. That’s why we’re surprised that he was once a member of the Mickey Mouse Club alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and many others, and was almost picked to become a member of the Backstreet Boys. Later forming the band Dead Man’s Bones once his acting career took off, Gosling has since had several opportunities to showcase his singing chops. And, while it would’ve been entertaining to see him as a member of BSB, we’re glad he chose this route.

Do you agree with our list? What singing actors do you wish were on the list? For more celebrity top 10s published every day, subscribe to WatchMojo.com.